Hotter Honda Civic Type R revealed, but no closer to Australian return
Honda’s US division has announced a number of updates to the Civic Type R, though there’s no immediate plans to bring the refreshed hot hatch to Australia.
The popularity of Honda’s Civic Type R in Australia means the hot hatch is still classified as sold out locally, leading to buyers Down Under missing out on the latest updates for now.
Overnight, Honda’s US division confirmed a handful of changes to the 2027 Civic Type R, designed at improving the popular performance car’s track capability, as well as introducing some features already available in the non-hot Civic.
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Civic Type R being launched in Japan, the US-delivered model has been sharpened up with a new front fascia, incorporating a larger grille opening and deeper front splitter.
According to Honda, this both increases engine cooling and downforce, giving the Civic Type R more high-speed grip while also allowing it to keep circulating on track for longer.
A revised damper tune for its aggressive +R drive mode is claimed to improve “road-following performance and reduces bouncing and impact harshness for more stability and enhanced handling”, while there’s now a sharper rev-matching system and improved brake feel.
Under the bonnet, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine continues to produce 235kW and 420Nm, and is now hidden underneath a tweaked engine cover. Power is still sent to the front wheels though a six-speed manual transmission.
Buyers can continue to order the Civic Type R in Boost Blue Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl and Championship White, or a new Meteorite Grey Metallic hue.
Inside, the Civic Type R now gets heated front seats in a first for the model, while its seat upholstery features a new perforated design with black stripes, designed to hold the front occupants better when cornering, and breathe better to keep passengers cooler.
Elsewhere, there’s a new diamond-pattern trim instrument panel with a black surround, black air vent knobs, as well as Ultrasuede on the top of the dash and front doors, while the gear selector knob, door handles and console trim are finished in dark grey.
In addition to this, the Type R gains the Google built-in integration already found in the basic Civic, while also adding two USB-C ports in the centre console. The driver can now see out the back window through an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
According to Honda Australia, the brand is yet to confirm if or when the Civic Type R will go back on sale locally, as its most recent allocation of the hot hatch sold out.
Customers wanting to keep their name in line for its return can do so via the Honda Australia website.
The Honda Civic Type R has most recently been priced from $85,000 drive-away in Australia, a huge $12,900 increase on when it launched in Australia back in 2023.
